[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6604265,"mediaKeyId","2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643","parentId",2993160,"title","Council denies variance to allow backyard chicken coop near neighbors","audioSeconds",724,"startMs",6566000,"endMs",7290000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643&start=6566&end=7290","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643/thumbnail_6566000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6604265/Sulphur/Calcasieu-Parish/Louisiana/Council-denies-variance-to-allow-backyard-chicken-coop-near-neighbors","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604265-ff7795a8abf7b91407d0fc88bc2b2859/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168780&Signature=fjqTb9YhR2eRNRj6jV3waxVGY7~zXl0T1kv7Q2~zq~WMKP9CakmB2LQtf83XHN6cQRHO6Xt31gtIzBW65h1UoAFja9un5z0RCkW7d2zTRKlQvqz9KZWoc48izTg~PT0TEK7-NBt5Vbgf3FlAxEGJGxwVn0wi~AT9xL3wuy9erLgjUouXvi9k-OWWZWOSKJPHnfOi-2pkiZHUDEXUCwJgh9SAlZv9yI4QFrmyKu77OpqmSznv5z61BOlETVPJrHibb9zgEpR7FTzS9BOrd0r-nf42EUzvD35KGalgpLZJCv2NXr6NIaY-rbNNNCyHP-Zp--jfKihNtJ-h2HwDLoA~4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sulphur","date","2025-04-15T01:10:11.227Z","article","The Sulphur City Council denied a request for a variance that would have allowed a backyard chicken enclosure to sit near the owner's property line after neighbors raised health and odor concerns.

What happened: Property owner Valerie DeVille (speaking for the household) asked the council for a variance to keep a fully enclosed chicken coop that sits on the rear property line. She said the enclosure is covered and maintained with poultry best practices and that neighbors had initially told her they had no objection. Several nearby residents — including Albert Schultz and other neighbors who said they have respiratory conditions — urged the council to deny the variance, citing proximity (the coop sat about 12 feet from one neighbor's kitchen window), potential odor, flies and disease risk.

Ordinance and council response: Council members said the city code requires a 50-foot setback from property lines in such cases and that granting this variance would create a precedent for other similar requests. The council voted against the variance.

Why it matters: The vote enforces the city's separation rules for animal enclosures within city limits and illustrates tension between property owners' personal-use activities and adjacent residents' health concerns.

Ending: Councilmembers offered to meet the homeowner after the meeting to discuss alternatives, including relocating the coop to meet setback requirements or other adjustments that would address neighbors' concerns.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Sulphur - Council Meeting - Live Stream (Apr 14, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","The council refused a requested variance to locate penned chickens within the business-district setback; neighbors cited health and odor concerns and councilmembers said the city ordinance requires a 50-foot separation from adjacent properties.","taxTitle","Sulphur, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana","taxId",65213,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604272,"Council grants 90-day extension for owner of property at 947 Beulah after notice of condemnation",603,5796000,6399000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643&start=5796&end=6399","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643/thumbnail_5796000.jpg","/articles/6604272/Sulphur/Calcasieu-Parish/Louisiana/Council-grants-90-day-extension-for-owner-of-property-at-947-Beulah-after-notice-of-condemnation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604272-d992f9272582a3da3a8e767c92331b22/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168780&Signature=oWHZRlInMtAxcpkc-PJ3g7Bt6hE3Q9QWKE4NXwCmewoKWBLHjn9D-I2ZrBaF884xqXXPbkC5OA5oFV8owseUFAsGO9DyK9YJCYHhZDaLI9RB8zj-DdQ8ZO0EbTG9k9nmhKrORCx8NJCOhhXFjwTrJt4WdvDiU7QWtNTxg-kn4-f~WohP5Gove~4ZOEt3v1yC4gcrFgQeD1wpuRsjZH5ggIAp4OB5v5u1Vu9VhkD8sKqUoqqOcRG0s51Jr1YcQZLLIUOUY~2O3upzVWCqzM5p3wihMzpc~5AD2XFb7JEOxf67SswRm6PCSmkCewVCCAdhELRReEoMy-gox-6AXP-Yrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sulphur City Council voted to extend by 90 days a hearing to show cause on the condition of a property at 947 Beulah Street after the executor of the estate asked for additional time to arrange repairs or demolition.

What happened: Gerald Simeon, who identified himself as executor, told the council he had recently been notified and was trying to coordinate with family members and contractors. City staff explained the condemnation process: if a property is condemned, the owner typically has 30 days to secure the premises, obtain permits or begin demolition; councilmembers said they had previously granted extensions in like cases when property owners demonstrated progress. The council moved to extend the rule to show cause for 90 days so the executor can pursue repairs or demolition and provide updates to staff.

Why it matters: Condemnation proceedings can lead to forced demolition and liens when owners do not act; extending the deadline gives the executor time to present a plan and obtain contractors but preserves the city's authority to act if remediation does not occur.

Next steps: The executor was asked to provide contact information and meet with city inspector Shelly Abrams to outline the remediation plan and to report progress when the item returns to council at the scheduled meeting in roughly 90 days.

Ending: The council made clear it expects progress and documentation during the extension period; if owners fail to act, the city may proceed under its code enforcement procedures.","The council granted a 90-day extension to the executor of a property at 947 Beulah Street to secure the structure or present a plan after the city moved to condemn it under code enforcement provisions; the owner asked for more time to obtain contractors and review costs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604276,"Votes at a glance: Sulphur council approves several ordinances, resolutions and contract awards",7262,201000,7463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643&start=201&end=7463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643/thumbnail_201000.jpg","/articles/6604276/Sulphur/Calcasieu-Parish/Louisiana/Votes-at-a-glance-Sulphur-council-approves-several-ordinances-resolutions-and-contract-awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604276-ac7403a918c7190eb96161282b17a80f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168780&Signature=hxl4v8KdY~bLVtO2h17OWats~mqSpAYnHIHmKWSkr8sEj6eqTTIL9qK8j8ZpRGmhGgVooIZeHvrq41DdzLJCtyMdrQZ~vIt9HSNvW1lzFRFfNaxJVtb1t2kzbTO3UqZqAdR3g5kT1PYYcIxwN9-DDBEQp-fJcglDJuqPyX6ih3nQ8EmYgf-8~kWaP5GCcoM7jOAx4W1QkQJMfl4F3JCghhzz6fykE3y42~yOjeCie0xk5WcQvd2oWus3YD9GbNh06dpZKmuAblOx1052G9gATjsUSzoMrS9SRYF96d5S1h7c9-uiL-STTKr-djdOGhezUQwjtDQLnFzM-wqJbYYAiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sulphur City Council took action on multiple items at Monday's meeting. Highlights include approvals of franchise and cooperative agreements, contract awards for street projects, liquor-license approvals and introduction of several ordinances for future public hearings.

Key approved items (summary):
- MetroNet franchise agreement: Council voted to adopt an ordinance allowing Vexus Fiber LLC, d/b/a MetroNet, to expand fiber infrastructure within the city. The item was approved on roll call.
- Summer feeding cooperative endeavor: Council approved a cooperative endeavor with the parish police jury to provide $10,000 for summer feeding sites.
- Surplus movable property: An ordinance declaring specified city property surplus (IT equipment, vehicles, air filters) and authorizing disposal by online auction (GovDeals) was approved after a brief public question about auction mechanics.
- Contract awards: The council awarded the low bid for Maplewood Drive Rehabilitation Phase 3 to HD Truck & Tractor for $6,293,128.05 and awarded a low bid for the ST-22-2 concrete street rehabilitation to McManus Construction LLC for $3,849,135.78.
- Liquor licenses: Resolutions approving liquor licenses for Cajun Charlie's (202 Henry Drive) and Gator Fuel Stop (1600 E. Napoleon St.) were approved.
- AT&T agreement: Council approved an agreement with AT&T for construction and maintenance of telecommunications facilities consistent with the company's legacy telephone systems.

Introductions and postponements:
- An item to enter a franchise agreement with Cantera Ultra Broadband LLC (ordinance 13-25) was postponed on a motion by council; no public speakers spoke for that postponement.
- The council introduced ordinances setting water, sewer, trash, capital recovery and low-income-discount measures (see separate coverage). The fiscal 2025-26 budget was introduced for public review and will be subject to a public hearing.

Other procedural matters:
- The council moved to executive session under Title 26 to discuss a pending legal settlement. After the executive session the council introduced an ordinance to approve a proposed settlement in the matter Richard Clayton Heimbach v. City of Sulphur.

Ending: Several of the approved items are routine or are funded through state capital-outlay or grants; some introduced ordinances require further public hearings before final adoption.","At the meeting the council approved multiple routine and substantive items including a MetroNet franchise, summer feeding funding, surplus-property disposal, contract awards for street rehabilitation and several liquor licenses; one franchise item was postponed and several ordinance introductions were made for future hearings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604280,"Sulphur High School LEAD Council unveils $20,000 downtown cultural district project",346,297000,643000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643&start=297&end=643","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643/thumbnail_297000.jpg","/articles/6604280/Sulphur/Calcasieu-Parish/Louisiana/Sulphur-High-School-LEAD-Council-unveils-20000-downtown-cultural-district-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604280-9bdb45684eadca0ccb2a09825e6469a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168780&Signature=nDUL8Cfhl1aTOs3h3Wc1ZPakJXk7oOeB4e4IGrV10WVoRVPb68UcO0K-fmrIcGPyqjQNQWfDP5pE6Uu0zP6sR7ssF7S~7VL7c4GuMCfZAIxI12ibniN95yU6LGemyrlrGmYUvlN7YGgRvv1U5vcNOOtQpEjYpQ3Tku6Oui3uA31K7Fm97OLIuDp2u6j2o0QAh0MTVBF53vHEGGns0SCCS8srW2FyZ-IjJnS-tQQgEH8M-fP8zLQCQKUKX6ewq1KpX439LYmTk5YgcBER~XKvKougnzLOQz54QYCFf8Zm9bwf3gE5IHxXLwXCc-GXFK7uqPrcBeNc8UlIJEWZ6j0Xqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students with the Sulphur High School LEAD Council presented a plan to the City Council to spend a $20,000 grant from Woodside Energy on downtown improvements, including flower beds, banners and a mural.

The students described LEED (Leadership Enrichment and Development) as a program of sophomores and juniors who meet weekly to plan community projects. Project manager Madden Kration and other council members outlined a budget that included $900 for three flower beds plus $100 for plants, roughly $7,200 for six street signs with banners and $2,500 to hire local artists to paint a mural along a downtown wall. The presenters said those figures amount to about $10,700 in committed expenses, leaving funds available for future work.

Why it matters: The students framed the project as part of the Sulphur Downtown Cultural District effort; Jill Galmarini of the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana said Sulphur figures in a regional resilience master plan as an example of the Strong Downtowns initiative. The city staff indicated it would maintain the elements installed under the project.

Supporting details: Local muralist Morgan Elaine agreed to paint the mural, the students said. Galmarini invited students and council members to a related public event featuring urban planner Jeff Speck on downtown walkability. The students said the project aims to increase visual appeal for residents and visitors and to spur additional downtown investment.

Council action and next steps: The item was a presentation; students and supporting organizations asked the council to endorse and help coordinate the project. Council members thanked the students and staff said the city would provide upkeep once elements are installed.

Ending: Presenters expressed gratitude to Woodside Energy and the Sulphur Downtown Cultural District and said the project would culminate at the end of the school year.","Students from the Sulphur High School LEAD Council presented plans to use a $20,000 Woodside Energy grant on downtown improvements including flower beds, signage and a mural to support the city's cultural district.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604287,"Sulphur council reviews proposed water, sewer and trash increases as budget is introduced",7442,1391000,8833000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643&start=1391&end=8833","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2993160-dc1a59554ef1d923a3f63a95ddb2f643/thumbnail_1391000.jpg","/articles/6604287/Sulphur/Calcasieu-Parish/Louisiana/Sulphur-council-reviews-proposed-water-sewer-and-trash-increases-as-budget-is-introduced","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604287-d37dbd40bbb7bbd6eeb4e375888f0735/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168780&Signature=CJvQtF71lMxyss-QZ3XFAgBWK2ldMtsa5LEth1QmDamKZktsKPmLun-K5~poRNIARtHQpn4ZztEl0PTo0H7T7m7YPDEBfdEIVZeze6Je3UxJBl0LY0Qx1mzgtCyvV6B~0ekWXyQHWv4hkYISoPVkOkzkreloZIwI1mNodUd4sJao6gWU3YHrWK5wfthNStJWPC7ApGoWW5MqgHb1kda3JGjmNP1Gz4QnG0HEihBUgaiMQVxdDa3tFYqlTo8d0vqh~1WWB6J7bC9qzCQ58GIdXqvvi-I9GcqbZQL4cg4-KH4uuQ7a0iFec9yRRzA86UMLGlm6WOEKKsRdcxVoJKiELw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sulphur City Council on Monday introduced ordinances that would raise water, sewer, garbage and a capital recovery fee and unveiled the proposed fiscal 2025-26 budget, prompting extended public comment and questions about grant conditions and meter installation timelines.

Finance director Jennifer Thorne told the council the proposed utility rate increases are based on an annual review of operations, capital projects and inflation, and are intended to keep the water and wastewater system solvent while meeting grant requirements. \"If the rate increase of 7.5% is not approved,\" Thorne said in reference to a prior rate study, \"the city will be obligated to repay what has already been received and forego the remaining 3 plus million dollars.\" She said the city has received $1,800,000 of the $5,000,000 grant so far and that not implementing study results could jeopardize current and future funding from the Office of Community Development.

Why it matters: The introduction of these ordinances starts a formal public-review process ahead of later hearings and final votes. Residents raised concerns that higher rates would be unfair while water quality and infrastructure problems persist. Administration said not approving rate actions could force the city to repay grant funds and delay major projects.

Supporting details: Thorne said the city has spent more than $19 million on water system improvements since February 2019, including two new wells, a 2-million-gallon storage tank and filter replacements. She told the council future projects — including transmission-main replacement and a city-wide meter program — would require roughly $43 million of additional work. The draft 2025-26 budget proposes a transfer of $6 million from the general fund to the public utility fund for water and wastewater capital improvements and projects $49 million in current capital expenditures with $43 million still unfunded.

Public response focused on affordability and transparency. Resident Wendy Wingate questioned whether legislative funding cited in public materials had been counted in the city's projections and asked for clearer accounting of completed work and remaining obligations. Sheila Broussard and other speakers pressed the council to ensure the city's water is safe to drink before charging increases; Broussard cited community reports of staining and plumbing damage. Several residents asked for details about the status of the Verdon (Verdine) plant pretreatment work and the water meter rollout.

Council and staff responses: Thorne said the meter program is underway: a commercial-meter audit was completed, smaller residential meters were expected for installation beginning in July and larger meters (2-inch and up) were scheduled for delivery in October, with installations planned before year end. Councilmember Adam Hardy, who voted in favor of the introductions, said he opposed rate increases in principle but would support steps necessary to fund meters and system improvements.

Formal actions on the agenda: The council introduced ordinances to set water fees, sewer fees, garbage fees, a capital recovery fee and to amend the code to increase enforcement for overhanging trees and shrubs (the tree item was introduced and advanced). Introductions require a second and will return at the next meeting as public hearings where final votes may be taken. The budget for fiscal 2025-26 was introduced; the mayor and staff said the budget book will be available for public review beginning the next day and can be amended at the public hearing.

Ending: Councilmembers repeatedly told residents that the introduction is the start of the formal process and that more information and public hearings will follow; staff encouraged residents to request documents or meetings if they need further detail. The council's next meeting will include public hearings where rates and the budget could be amended or adopted.","The Sulphur City Council heard a detailed presentation of proposed utility rate increases and the draft fiscal 2025–26 budget, with administration and residents debating the need for a rate study, grant conditions tied to a $5 million state award and the city's meter program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council denies variance to allow backyard chicken coop near neighbors

Council grants 90-day extension for owner of property at 947 Beulah after notice of condemnation

Votes at a glance: Sulphur council approves several ordinances, resolutions and contract awards

Sulphur High School LEAD Council unveils $20,000 downtown cultural district project

Sulphur council reviews proposed water, sewer and trash increases as budget is introduced